PhD

Developing the next generation of business scholars

Fuqua’s PhD Program in Business Administration (CIP 52.1399, STEM eligible) prepares candidates for research and teaching careers at leading educational institutions and for careers where advanced research and analytical capabilities are needed.  

At Fuqua, you’ll develop close working relationships with leading scholars in your field in a stimulating and collaborative learning environment. We encourage strong collaborations between students and faculty, both within your academic area and across different areas, in order to foster the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research we’re known for.

Academic Experience

Our PhD program focuses on three critical development areas to prepare you for your career:

  • Independent inquiry
  • Competence in research methodology
  • Communication of research results

From the start, you’ll be introduced to rigorous coursework and the research activities across our faculty and your PhD student peers.

    Our Faculty

    In our PhD degree program, you’ll work with our world-renowned faculty who are recognized for excellence in both teaching and research, and for their accessibility across degree programs.

    Program Requirements

    The PhD in Business Administration is a degree of the Graduate School of Duke University and follows the degree requirements set by Duke’s Graduate School.  In general, the PhD program requires an average of 5 years to complete. After you and a faculty member in your academic area determine your specific study program, according to your interests and goals, you’ll be required to:

    • Gain expertise in your area of special interest through your coursework and independent study
    • Complete a preliminary qualifying exam in this area of study by the third year of residence, or earlier
    • Defend your dissertation successfully

    How to Apply

    If you have any questions about Fuqua's PhD programs, please contact our PhD Program Office +1 919.660.7862 or by email. Applications for the PhD program can be found online on the Duke Graduate School website. The application deadline is December 15.

    Admission is based on both merit and on a competitive basis.  On average, each academic area matriculates 2-3 students each year.  The acceptance rate ranges between 2% and 8% across the areas.

    Placements

    Recent PhD Placements 

    Accounting
     Yale University,Yale School of Management
     Cornell University, Johnson College of Business
     INSEAD
     University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business

     

    Decision Sciences
     Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
     University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal School of Management
     University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
     European School of Management and Technology (ESMT)
     New York University - Shanghai

     

    Finance
     Yale University, Yale School of Management
     Purdue University, Krannert School of Management
     University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
     University of Western Ontario, Ivey School of Business
     City University of Hong Kong, College of Business